The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed its ban on the participation of the Amotekun Corps and other non-state security organisations in security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The Force also announced a restriction on movement across the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday ahead of the election.
According to the police, only security agencies established and recognised under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are authorised to undertake security and law-enforcement duties during the election.
The Force warned that non-state security groups, vigilante organisations and other unauthorised bodies would not be allowed to perform the functions of recognised security agencies.
“Accordingly, such groups are directed to stay away from election-related security operations and refrain from any activity capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or undermining public peace and security,” the statement said.
The police urged residents to comply fully with the movement restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.
It noted that only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities would be permitted during the restriction period.
The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security while ensuring a level playing field for political actors and eligible voters throughout the election.
It urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding and promptly report suspicious or unlawful activities to constitutionally and legally recognised security agencies.
